Asuka relinquishes NXT women's title. The run will end on the day this is airs (probably September 6?)
The idea is that she's in negotiation with Raw and Smackdown. But it's a smart way to work around her injury as well (broken collarbone at TakeOver) It gives her some time to heal while still maintaining the aura they've created.
While usually I don't mind the leaving champ to lose the title on the way out, with her I feel it works like this. The division is once again wide open, and in a few weeks nobody will remember how the new champ got the title. Nikki Cross, Ember Moon Ruby Riot, the Iconic Duo they can all lay claims to title shots and I am sure the Mae Young tournament winner will show up as well.
On the main brands, It gives them a nice story when she does show up. Nobody knows how to beat her. But she'll have new competiton now.
This actually is pretty decent timing with the Mae Young Classic coming up too. While the women you named are certainly deserving of the first shot at the NXT Women's Title I don't think they're so far ahead of the Mae Young Classic women that the new women they sign can't be in the mix right away, making it one of the most open and even field of women they've ever had.
I'd think they would follow up with a tournament for the belt like they did when Paige gave hers up, but coming right off the heels of the Mae Young tournament they might not. Hmm.
Winner of the MYC straight up getting the title is a strong possibility. They'll have a longer win streak than anyone left in NXT, and a fresh start (instead of someone who took on Asuka and lost and would only be champion because Asuka moved on) would be the best for the next champion.
Thread rated: 6.02
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